Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) on the bench during the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. (Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports)
No matter how much one works out away from the football field — even if it’s to the tune of packing on 15 pounds of muscle, nothing can prepare a player for game action like actually putting on a helmet and hitting opposing players.
Von Miller made his return in the team’s 39-33 loss to the Indianapolis Colts and was relatively quiet on paper with two tackles including one for a loss.
“Without looking at the tape yet, I felt him a couple of times,” John Fox said of Miller’s play after the game. “I thought our rush was better than it’s been. I thought pretty good for his first time out.”
Miller hit Andrew Luck a couple of times, but didn’t record a sack in his first game back since serving a six-game suspension.
“I felt great,” Miller said. “I felt physically and mentally ready to go. The Colts have a great offense. The offensive line blocked well. Andrew Luck is a great player. He was able to shake out some situations and make plays for his team. They’ve got a great team over there. We’re just going to keep battling it out and keep trying to get better over here.”
Many believed that Miller was going to rescue this defense, but Luck and the Colts were simply too efficient and played mistake-free ball other than a Trent Richardson fumble.
Perhaps it’s not Miller that’s needed as much as it is middle linebacker Wesley Woodyard, who has been sidelined for the past two weeks with a neck injury. While Miller has been the lights and sirens of this defense in the past, Woodyard is the pilot of this jet, making sure the team’s defense is lined up correctly.
Miller’s performance should improve as he sees more game time, but until then, we can be crossing our fingers for a Woodyard return.
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